The nation's decisive action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation may be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has urged lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," commented one parliamentarian behind the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong research".
Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a influential peer.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, regulation is mostly occurring at the state level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a rule limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with any further use needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to copy this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Beyond the West, other countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, international agencies strike a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
Even as this global debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that governments around the world are less and less content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
